18 Volunteers • 72 Volunteer Hours • 180 Pounds of Bagged Trash • 6 Tires Removed
On October 3, the Burke River Trail Association’s Litter Gitters joined the Catawba Riverkeeper’s Riversweep effort for a day of community service along the Catawba River and at Valdese Lakeside Park.
Working alongside Friends of the Valdese Rec, 18 volunteers contributed 72 hours of service, helping protect our waterways, clean up public spaces, and improve a popular community recreation destination.
Cleaning Up by Boat and on Foot
Six volunteers took to the water in kayaks, while others worked along the shoreline, collecting litter and removing larger items that had been left behind.
By the end of the cleanup, volunteers had collected an impressive assortment of debris:
- 180 pounds of bagged trash
- 6 discarded tires
- An archery target
- Approximately 24 feet of discarded hose
- A chair
- A cooler
Every piece of trash removed helps protect the Catawba River, improve wildlife habitat, and make the area more enjoyable for people who paddle, hike, bike, fish, and explore.
Improving Valdese Lakeside Park
The day’s volunteer efforts extended beyond litter removal. Volunteers also helped spread mulch at Valdese Lakeside Park, contributing to the ongoing care and improvement of this popular outdoor destination.
These hands-on projects demonstrate how volunteers can make an immediate, visible difference in the places our communities enjoy.
Stronger Communities Through Partnerships
The Burke River Trail Association’s Litter Gitters program brings people together to care for the places that connect our communities. Events like Riversweep demonstrate the value of working alongside organizations such as Catawba Riverkeeper and Friends of the Valdese Rec to accomplish more together.
The Burke River Trail is envisioned as a 40-mile pedestrian corridor connecting nine Burke County towns along the Catawba River. Protecting the river, improving public spaces, and encouraging community involvement are all part of creating a trail system that residents can enjoy and take pride in.
Building a great trail is about more than constructing a path. It’s about building a community of people who care for it.
Join the Litter Gitters!
Whether you’re comfortable paddling a kayak, walking a shoreline, or helping improve a local park, there’s a place for you to make a difference.
Learn more about the Burke River Trail Association’s Litter Gitters program and upcoming opportunities to volunteer at burkerivertrail.net/litter-gitters.
